Effects of induced appearance-related interpretation bias: A test of the cognitive-behavioral model of body dysmorphic disorder

Background and objectives: Interpretation biases are hypothesized to maintain body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Although their existence and malleability have been investigated in clinical studies, their causal status in the maintenance of BDD remains unclear. This study examined the effects of a single-session appearance-related interpretation bias training (CBM-I) on bias indices and stress reactivity (i.e., distress, appearance dissatisfaction, self-esteem, perceived physical attractiveness), exploring the causality predicted in cognitive-behavioral models. Methods: We used a modified version of the Word Sentence Association Paradigm (WSAP), assessing explicit (i.e., decision rates) and more implicit interpretation bias components (i.e., reaction times). Mentally healthy students (N = 112) were randomized to training conditions enhancing positive interpretation patterns (PT) vs. negative interpretation patterns (NT) vs. a no-feedback control condition (CC). Stress reactivity was assessed during the Cyberball Paradigm. Results: The PT showed a pre-post increase in adaptive bias patterns regarding decision and a differential pre-post decrease in reaction times for the rejection of negative interpretations, compared to the other groups. There were no condition-congruent post-training differences in stress reactivity. However, residual interpretation bias change was significantly correlated with state distress, self-esteem and appearance dissatisfaction during stressor exposure. Limitations Limitations pertaining to sample characteristics, training and assessment overlap, and stressor task design are discussed. Conclusions: Findings suggest that appearance-related interpretation bias is modifiable both explicitly and more implicitly via CBM-I in a mentally healthy sample. The causal status of interpretation bias in BDD maintenance warrants further investigation